In a week of free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals address their biggest weakness by signing three new offensive linemen. The joy over this is so great that quarterback Joe Burrow immediately throws a party.

Cincinnati/Munich – Joe Burrow was in a good mood. The news that his Cincinnati Bengals had signed two new O-linemen, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, put the quarterback in a positive mood.

Finally, a little more peace. No more constantly running from rushing defenders. In addition, tight end Hayden Hurst was another good playmaker who also has certain strengths in blocking the opponent.

And what do you do when you’re in a good mood? You throw a party.

On Friday night, Burrow invited his entire O-line and all the tight ends, including the newcomers, to his house. And because one more or less doesn’t matter at such house parties anyway, they were joined by another (potential) New Bengal, La’el Collins.

Collins picks Burrow: “Coolest guy “

Two days later, the deal was done – despite strong interest from other clubs. Collins, most recently signed with the Dallas Cowboys, is the third O-lineman to join the Cincinnati franchise in the first week of free agency.

“One of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. Down to earth and a guy I want to protect without a doubt,” Collins said promptly of his new quarterback – and made no secret of the fact that the evening at Burrow’s house gave him the final conviction to commit to the Bengals.

Head coach Zac Taylor’s team has turned last season’s biggest weakness – at least on paper – into a real strength in its own offense.

Newcomers with plenty of Super Bowl experience

Center Karras played over four years with the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowl rings with them. Guard Cappa was an important part of the Tampa Bay O-Line and also boasts a Super Bowl title.

With the addition of right tackle Collins, the Bengals have now achieved a real coup. Together with Jonah Williams (left tackle), Hakeem Adeniji (guard) and Jackson Carman (guard), who are already on the roster, the O-line is already in a much better position than last year.

That this was also sorely needed is without question.

Bengals O-Line was the big weakness in the preseason

Cincy conceded the third most sacks (55) of any team in the Regular Season. Only the Baltimore Ravens (57) and Chicago Bears (58) allowed more.

In the playoffs, it was partly due to the vulnerability of the O-line that their own running game rarely got rolling. Not to mention the nine (!) sacks allowed against the Tennessee Titans and the seven (!) in the Super Bowl loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

“We’ve got three new guys who know how to set the tone,” said offensive coordinator Frank Pollack, who previously worked with Collins in Dallas between 2015 and 2017 and – along with Burrows’ house party – was arguably the leading factor in the 28-year-old’s decision.

Some question marks behind Collins’ health

All three newcomers therefore bring the necessary experience to Ohio in addition to the available quality. Karras and Cappa are considered extremely reliable and have been spared major injuries in their careers.

Collins’ health is still a question mark, as he missed the 2020 season due to a hip injury and was suspended for five games in 2021 after missing doping tests.

If Collins stays fit, though, he’s undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best tackles.

And so it seems unsurprising that two days after his house party, Burrow also inquired. “Is there a deal?” he asked Collins via text message.

Who simply replied, “Your new bodyguard is in town.”

What a gift. Three Angels for Joe Burrow.